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Holbrook A, Perri D, Levine M, Mbuagbaw L, Jarmain S, Thabane L, Tarride JE, Dolovich L, Hyland S, Telford V, Silva J, Nieuwstraten C. Improving medication prescribing-related outcomes for vulnerable elderly in transitions on high-risk medications (IMPROVE-IT HRM): a pilot randomized trial protocol. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2024; 10:60. [PMID: 38600599 PMCID: PMC11005201 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-024-01484-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seniors with recurrent hospitalizations who are taking multiple medications including high-risk medications are at particular risk for serious adverse medication events. We will assess whether an expert Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (CPT) medication management intervention during hospitalization with follow-up post-discharge and communication with circle of care is feasible and can decrease drug therapy problems amongst this group. METHODS The design is a pragmatic pilot randomized trial with 1:1 patient-level concealed randomization with blinded outcome assessment and data analysis. Participants will be adults 65 years and older admitted to internal medicine services for more than 2 days, who have had at least one other hospitalization in the prior year, taking five or more chronic medications including at least one high-risk medication. The CPT intervention identifies medication targets; completes consult, including priorities for improving prescribing negotiated with the patient; starts the care plan; ensures a detailed discharge medication reconciliation and circle-of-care communication; and sees the patient at least twice after hospital discharge via virtual visits to consolidate the care plan in the community. Control group receives usual care. Primary outcomes are feasibility - recruitment, retention, costs, and clinical - number of drug therapy problems improved, with secondary outcomes examining coordination of transitions in care, quality of life, and healthcare utilization and costs. Follow-up is to 3-month posthospital discharge. DISCUSSION If results support feasibility of ramp-up and promising clinical outcomes, a follow-up definitive trial will be organized using a developing national platform and medication appropriateness network. Since the intervention allows a very scarce medical specialty expertise to be offered via virtual care, there is potential to improve the safety, outcomes, and cost of care widely. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04077281.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Holbrook
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Clinical Pharmacology Research, Research Institute of St. Joes Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Dan Perri
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Digital Solutions, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Mitch Levine
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Lawrence Mbuagbaw
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Biotatistics Unit, Research Institute of St. Joes Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Centre for Development of Best Practices in Health (CDBPH), Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sarah Jarmain
- Medical and Academic Affairs, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Biotatistics Unit, Research Institute of St. Joes Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jean-Eric Tarride
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Center for Health Economic and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Programs for Assessment of Technology in Health (PATH), The Research Institute of St. Joes Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Lisa Dolovich
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sylvia Hyland
- Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada, North York, ON, Canada
| | - Victoria Telford
- Clinical Pharmacology Research, Research Institute of St. Joes Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jessyca Silva
- Clinical Pharmacology Research, Research Institute of St. Joes Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Bhatkhande G, Choudhry NK, Mahesri M, Haff N, Lauffenburger JC. Disentangling drug contributions: anticholinergic burden in older adults linked to individual medications: a cross-sectional population-based study. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:44. [PMID: 38200457 PMCID: PMC10782746 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04640-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medications with potent anticholinergic properties have well-documented adverse effects. A high cumulative anticholinergic burden may arise from the concurrent use of multiple medications with weaker anticholinergic effects. We sought to identify patterns of high anticholinergic burden and associated patient characteristics. METHODS We identified patients aged ≥ 65 who filled ≥ 1 medication with anticholinergic adverse effects in 2019 and had a cumulative Anticholinergic Burden score (ACB) ≥ 4 (i.e., high anticholinergic burden) in a large US health insurer. We classified patients based on how they attained high burden, as follows: 1) only filling strong or moderate anticholinergic medications (i.e., ACB = 2 or 3, "moderate/strong"), 2) only filling lightly anticholinergic medications (i.e., ACB = 1, "light/possible"), and 3) filling any combination ("mix"). We used multinomial logistic regression to assess the association between measured patient characteristics and membership in the three anticholinergic burden classifications, using the moderate/strong group as the referent. RESULTS In total, 83,286 eligible patients with high anticholinergic burden were identified (mean age: 74.3 years (SD:7.1), 72.9% female). Of these, 4.5% filled only strong/moderate anticholinergics, 4.3% filled only light/possible anticholinergics, and the rest filled a mix (91.2%). Within patients in the mixed group, 64.3% of medication fills were for light/possible anticholinergics, while 35.7% were for moderate/strong anticholinergics. Compared with patients in the moderate/strong anticholinergics group, patients filling only light/possible anticholinergics were more likely to be older (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] per 1-unit of age: 1.06, 95%CI: 1.05-1.07), less likely to be female (aOR: 0.56, 95%CI: 0.50-0.62 vs. male), more likely to have comorbidities (e.g., heart failure aOR: 3.18, 95%CI: 2.70-3.74 or depression aOR: 1.20, 95%CI: 1.09-1.33 vs. no comorbidity), and visited fewer physicians (aOR per 1-unit of change: 0.98, 95%CI: 0.97-0.98). Patients in the mixed group were older (aOR per 1-unit of age: 1.02, 95%CI: 1.02-1.03) and less likely to be female (aOR: 0.89, 95%CI: 0.82-0.97 vs. male) compared with those filling moderate/strong anticholinergics. CONCLUSION Most older adults accumulated high anticholinergic burden through a combination of light/possible and moderate/strong anticholinergics rather than moderate/strong anticholinergics, with light/possible anticholinergics being the major drivers of overall anticholinergic burden. These insights may inform interventions to improve prescribing in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauri Bhatkhande
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 1620 Tremont Street, Suite 3030, Boston, MA, 02120, USA
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Niteesh K Choudhry
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 1620 Tremont Street, Suite 3030, Boston, MA, 02120, USA
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mufaddal Mahesri
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 1620 Tremont Street, Suite 3030, Boston, MA, 02120, USA
| | - Nancy Haff
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 1620 Tremont Street, Suite 3030, Boston, MA, 02120, USA
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julie C Lauffenburger
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 1620 Tremont Street, Suite 3030, Boston, MA, 02120, USA.
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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McCleary N, Desveaux L, Presseau J, Reis C, Witteman HO, Taljaard M, Linklater S, Thavorn K, Dobell G, Mulhall CL, Lam JMC, Grimshaw JM, Ivers NM. Engagement is a necessary condition to test audit and feedback design features: results of a pragmatic, factorial, cluster-randomized trial with an embedded process evaluation. Implement Sci 2023; 18:13. [PMID: 37165413 PMCID: PMC10173488 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-023-01271-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While audit & feedback (A&F) is an effective implementation intervention, the design elements which maximize effectiveness are unclear. Partnering with a healthcare quality advisory organization already delivering feedback, we conducted a pragmatic, 2 × 2 factorial, cluster-randomized trial to test the impact of variations in two factors: (A) the benchmark used for comparison and (B) information framing. An embedded process evaluation explored hypothesized mechanisms of effect. METHODS Eligible physicians worked in nursing homes in Ontario, Canada, and had voluntarily signed up to receive the report. Groups of nursing homes sharing physicians were randomized to (A) physicians' individual prescribing rates compared to top-performing peers (the top quartile) or the provincial median and (B) risk-framed information (reporting the number of patients prescribed high-risk medication) or benefit-framed information (reporting the number of patients not prescribed). We hypothesized that the top quartile comparator and risk-framing would lead to greater practice improvements. The primary outcome was the mean number of central nervous system-active medications per resident per month. Primary analyses compared the four arms at 6 months post-intervention. Factorial analyses were secondary. The process evaluation comprised a follow-up questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. RESULTS Two hundred sixty-seven physicians (152 clusters) were randomized: 67 to arm 1 (median benchmark, benefit framing), 65 to arm 2 (top quartile benchmark, benefit framing), 75 to arm 3 (median benchmark, risk framing), and 60 to arm 4 (top quartile benchmark, risk framing). There were no significant differences in the primary outcome across arms or for each factor. However, engagement was low (27-31% of physicians across arms downloaded the report). The process evaluation indicated that both factors minimally impacted the proposed mechanisms. However, risk-framed feedback was perceived as more actionable and more compatible with current workflows, whilst a higher target might encourage behaviour change when physicians identified with the comparator. CONCLUSIONS Risk framing and a top quartile comparator have the potential to achieve change. Further work to establish the strategies most likely to enhance A&F engagement, particularly with physicians who may be most likely to benefit from feedback, is required to support meaningfully addressing intricate research questions concerning the design of A&F. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02979964 . Registered 29 November 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola McCleary
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, 501 Smyth Road, Room L1202, Box 711, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Laura Desveaux
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, Canada
| | - Justin Presseau
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, 501 Smyth Road, Room L1202, Box 711, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Catherine Reis
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Holly O Witteman
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, 501 Smyth Road, Room L1202, Box 711, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Laval University, Québec City, Canada
| | - Monica Taljaard
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, 501 Smyth Road, Room L1202, Box 711, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Stefanie Linklater
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, 501 Smyth Road, Room L1202, Box 711, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Kednapa Thavorn
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, 501 Smyth Road, Room L1202, Box 711, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Gail Dobell
- Health System Performance, Ontario Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Cara L Mulhall
- Health System Performance, Ontario Health, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Jeremy M Grimshaw
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, 501 Smyth Road, Room L1202, Box 711, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Noah M Ivers
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Canada
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Lee S, Okoro UE, Swanson MB, Mohr N, Faine B, Carnahan R. Opioid and benzodiazepine use in the emergency department and the recognition of delirium within the first 24 hours of hospitalization. J Psychosom Res 2022; 153:110704. [PMID: 34959040 PMCID: PMC9348903 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Delirium is a common and serious brain dysfunction. The objective of our study was to test the hypothesis that opioids and benzodiazepines exposure in the emergency department (ED) is associated with delirium. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study, including patients aged 65 years and older who were hospitalized from ED at an academic medical center from 2014 to 2017. Medication administration records were used to identify opioids and benzodiazepines given during the ED stay. Nurses used the Delirium Observation Screening Scale (DOSS) twice daily to assess delirium during hospitalization. The outcome was a positive DOSS within 1 day of ED encounter. We used logistic regression to predict the outcome of positive delirium screening by opioids and benzodiazepines. RESULTS A total of 7927 ED encounters that resulted in hospitalization were included in the analysis. We identified 2008 visits (25.3%) with a positive delirium screen. A total of 3304 (41.7%) received opioids, and 1801 (22.7%) received benzodiazepines. In this cohort, opioids were not associated with an increased odds of delirium (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.87-1.15). Benzodiazepines were associated with increased odds of delirium (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.13-1.65), as were benzodiazepines combined with opioids (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.33-1.97). CONCLUSION In this study, the use of benzodiazepines was associated with a risk of delirium. The use of opioids did not increase the risk of delirium. Our findings imply that judicious pain management with opioids in the ED might not increase the risk of delirium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangil Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, USA.
| | - Uche Eseoghene Okoro
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, USA
| | - Morgan Bobb Swanson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, USA
| | - Nicholas Mohr
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Anesthesia, and Epidemiology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, USA
| | - Brett Faine
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, USA
| | - Ryan Carnahan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, USA
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Huang YT, Steptoe A, Wei L, Zaninotto P. The impact of high-risk medications on mortality risk among older adults with polypharmacy: evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. BMC Med 2021; 19:321. [PMID: 34911547 PMCID: PMC8675465 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02192-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polypharmacy is common among older people and is associated with an increased mortality risk. However, little is known about whether the mortality risk is related to specific medications among older adults with polypharmacy. This study therefore aimed to investigate associations between high-risk medications and all-cause and cause-specific mortality among older adults with polypharmacy. METHODS This study included 1356 older adults with polypharmacy (5+ long-term medications a day for conditions or symptoms) from Wave 6 (2012/2013) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. First, using the agglomerative hierarchical clustering method, participants were grouped according to the use of 14 high-risk medication categories. Next, the relationship between the high-risk medication patterns and all-cause and cause-specific mortality (followed up to April 2018) was examined. All-cause mortality was assessed by Cox proportional hazards model and competing-risk regression was employed for cause-specific mortality. RESULTS Five high-risk medication patterns-a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors cluster, a mental health drugs cluster, a central nervous system (CNS) drugs cluster, a RAAS inhibitors and antithrombotics cluster, and an antithrombotics cluster-were identified. The mental health drugs cluster showed increased risks of all-cause (HR = 1.55, 95%CI = 1.05, 2.28) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) (SHR = 2.11, 95%CI = 1.10, 4.05) mortality compared with the CNS drug cluster over 6 years, while others showed no differences in mortality. Among these patterns, the mental health drugs cluster showed the highest prevalence of antidepressants (64.1%), benzodiazepines (10.4%), antipsychotics (2.4%), antimanic agents (0.7%), opioids (33.2%), and muscle relaxants (21.5%). The findings suggested that older adults with polypharmacy who took mental health drugs (primarily antidepressants), opioids, and muscle relaxants were at higher risk of all-cause and CVD mortality, compared with those who did not take these types of medications. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the inclusion of opioids in the current guidance on structured medication reviews, but it also suggests that older adults with polypharmacy who take psychotropic medications and muscle relaxants are prone to adverse outcomes and therefore may need more attention. The reinforcement of structured medication reviews would contribute to early intervention in medication use which may consequently reduce medication-related problems and bring clinical benefits to older adults with polypharmacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ting Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK.
| | - Andrew Steptoe
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Li Wei
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paola Zaninotto
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
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Loya AM, Strate A, Molokwu JC, Martin C, Strate J, Terrazas WC. Improving Medical Students Learning Through an Interprofessional Pharmacotherapy Selective. Med Sci Educ 2021; 31:1073-1081. [PMID: 34457951 PMCID: PMC8368974 DOI: 10.1007/s40670-021-01276-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Current trends in medical school education indicate an existing need for increasing medical student exposure to pharmacotherapy education. The objectives of this study are to describe the development of an interprofessional, application-based Pharmacotherapeutics in Primary Care selective for 3rd year medical students and to assess its influence on knowledge, attitudes, and skills related to pharmacotherapy of high-risk medications and patient populations. METHODS The selective was implemented across fourteen cohorts of medical students that were evaluated over a 5-year academic period (n = 68). Our curriculum was unique in that it merged basic pharmacology and pharmacotherapy concepts with application-based medication management of high-risk patients in addition to the incorporation of an interprofessional home visit experience. RESULTS Pre- and post-assessment analyses found statistically significant improvements in students' pharmacotherapeutic knowledge and skills. There was a significant increase in the knowledge post-test mean score (71.8; SD = 11.2) compared to the pre-test mean score (57.3; SD = 11.9; P < .001). A similar trend was observed for the skills mean score in which the post-test average (63; SD = 16.9) was significantly higher than the pretest average (23.3; SD = 14.4; P < 0.001). Students' attitudes also improved when rating their confidence in completing specific tasks such as recommending dosing regimens and utilizing drug information resources. CONCLUSION This intervention provided 3rd-year medical students with opportunities to improve their knowledge, attitudes, and skills related to the pharmacotherapeutic management of high-risk medications and patient populations while exploring meaningful interprofessional interactions with faculty and learners from other disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M. Loya
- The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave, TX 79968 El Paso, USA
| | | | - Jennifer C. Molokwu
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX USA
| | - Charmaine Martin
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX USA
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Abstract
Background and Introduction: Obtaining patient medication histories during emergency department (ED) admissions is an important step towards identifying potential errors that could otherwise remain in the patient’s active medication list. This is a descriptive report of a standardized, electronic data collection tool created to document potential medication errors in patients receiving high-risk medications during ED admissions. Materials and Methods: Trained pharmacy technicians completed a survey following medication history collection using a secure web platform called REDCap®. Data collected included patient-specific information, the number and type of high-risk medications, and potential medication errors identified in the collection process. Results: During a pilot period of April 2019 to October 2020, 191 patient records were completed using the survey tool. Out of a total of 1088 medications recorded, 41% were considered high-risk medications. 42% of potential medication errors were classified as high-risk medication errors. Results from this survey tool demonstrated that 58% of high-risk medication orders could potentially result in a medication error that can be carried through patient admission and discharge. Discussion: Accurate medication history and transitions of care can significantly impact patient quality of life. The cost of addressing a medication related-adverse event is also substantial. Based on published reports, annual gross savings to a hospital is estimated to be $4532 per harmful error in 2020, after adjusting for inflation. This equated to approximately $1,182,852 in estimated savings for Ascension Texas in 18 months. Nationwide, preventing potential medication errors in an outpatient setting can save on average $3.5 billion per year. Conclusion: This web-based survey tool has improved the quality and efficiency of potential error identification during medication history collection by pharmacy technicians. This information can be easily retrieved and aid in discussions regarding medication reconciliation at the leadership level and impact patient treatment outcomes by developing virtual processes that may result in fewer medication related events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishat Afreen
- Pharmacy Intern, PharmD Candidate 2021, University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, and Pharmacy Technician, Ascension Seton Department of Pharmacy
| | - Eimeira Padilla-Tolentino
- Ascension Texas Department of Research, and Clinical Instructor, University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
| | - Brandy McGinnis
- Area Director of Continuity of Care, Ascension Texas Department of Pharmacy, and Clinical Instructor, University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
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Cox S, Brownfield A, Sommi R. Implementing a high-risk medication education introductory pharmacy practice experience. Curr Pharm Teach Learn 2020; 12:1354-1359. [PMID: 32867934 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The purpose of this project was to implement a sustainable high-risk medication education (HRME) experience for student pharmacists, assess the impact on institutional metrics, and evaluate student competence. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING Students completed a longitudinal introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) to provide patient education on anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications. Data collected included student feedback on the experience, the achievement of applicable pre-advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) core domains, student effect on number of patients counseled, and number of patient interactions per student. FINDINGS Student feedback of the HRME experience indicated that 98% either strongly agreed or agreed to meeting defined parameters. Ninety-seven percent of students completing the experience demonstrated achievement of all applicable domain abilities. Over a three-year period, students educated 1055 patients. SUMMARY The creation of a sustainable HRME experience for student pharmacists allowed for the achievement of applicable pre-APPE core domains. It also enhanced institutional metrics by greatly increasing the number of patient touches and providing students with direct patient care opportunities on a consistent basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cox
- University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Pharmacy at MU, 701 South Fifth Street, Columbia, MO 65211, United States; University Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212, United States.
| | - Angela Brownfield
- University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Pharmacy at MU, 701 South Fifth Street, Columbia, MO 65211, United States.
| | - Roger Sommi
- University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Pharmacy at MU, 701 South Fifth Street, Columbia, MO 65211, United States.
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McCleary N, Desveaux L, Reis C, Linklater S, Witteman HO, Taljaard M, Thavorn K, Grimshaw JM, Ivers NM, Presseau J. A multiple-behaviour investigation of goal prioritisation in physicians receiving audit and feedback to address high-risk prescribing in nursing homes. Implement Sci Commun 2020; 1:33. [PMID: 32885191 PMCID: PMC7427855 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-020-00019-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As part of their professional role, healthcare providers enact multiple competing goal-directed behaviours in time-constrained environments. Better understanding healthcare providers’ motivation to engage in the pursuit of particular goals may help inform the development of implementation interventions. We investigated healthcare providers’ pursuit of multiple goals as part of a trial evaluating the effectiveness of an audit and feedback intervention in supporting appropriate adjustment of high-risk medication prescribing by physicians working in nursing homes. Our objectives were to determine whether goal priority and constructs from Social Cognitive Theory (self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and descriptive norms) predicted intention to adjust prescribing of multiple high-risk medications and to investigate how physicians in nursing homes prioritise their goals related to high-risk medication prescribing. Methods Physicians in Ontario, Canada, who signed up for and accessed the audit and feedback report were invited to complete a questionnaire assessing goal priority, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, descriptive norms, and intention in relation to the three targeted behaviours (adjusting prescribing of antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants) and a control behaviour (adjusting statin prescribing). We conducted multiple linear regression analyses to identify predictors of intention. We also conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews to investigate how physicians in nursing homes prioritise their goals in relation to appropriately adjusting prescribing of the medications included in the report: analysis was informed by the framework analysis method. Results Thirty-three of 89 (37%) physicians completed the questionnaire. Goal priority was the only significant predictor of intention for each medication type; the greater a priority it was for physicians to appropriately adjust their prescribing, the stronger was their intention to do so. Across five interviews, physicians reported prioritising adjustment of antipsychotic prescribing specifically. This was influenced by negative media coverage of antipsychotic prescribing in nursing homes, the provincial government’s mandate to address antipsychotic prescribing, and by the deprescribing initiatives or best practice routines in place in their nursing homes. Conclusions Goal priority predicted nursing home physicians’ intention to adjust prescribing. Targeting goal priority through implementation interventions therefore has the potential to influence behaviour via increased motivation. Implementation intervention developers should consider the external factors that may drive physicians’ prioritization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola McCleary
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, 501 Smyth Road, Room L1202, Box 711, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6 Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Laura Desveaux
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Women's College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Catherine Reis
- Women's College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stefanie Linklater
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, 501 Smyth Road, Room L1202, Box 711, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6 Canada
| | - Holly O Witteman
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, 501 Smyth Road, Room L1202, Box 711, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6 Canada.,Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, and Office of Education and Continuing Professional Development, Laval University, Québec City, Canada.,Laval University Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Services, Laval University, Québec City, Canada
| | - Monica Taljaard
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, 501 Smyth Road, Room L1202, Box 711, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6 Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Kednapa Thavorn
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, 501 Smyth Road, Room L1202, Box 711, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6 Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jeremy M Grimshaw
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, 501 Smyth Road, Room L1202, Box 711, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6 Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Noah M Ivers
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Women's College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, Canada
| | - Justin Presseau
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, 501 Smyth Road, Room L1202, Box 711, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6 Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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Su WTK, Lehto MR, Degnan DD, Yih Y, Duffy VG, DeLaurentis P. Healthcare Professionals Risk Assessments for Alert Overrides in High-Risk IV Infusions Using Simulated Scenarios. Risk Anal 2020; 40:1342-1354. [PMID: 32339316 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to use healthcare professionals' assessments to calculate expected risk of intravenous (IV) infusion harm for simulated high-risk medications that exceed soft limits and to investigate the impact of relevant risk factors. We designed 30 infusion scenarios for four high-risk medications, propofol, morphine, insulin, and heparin, infused in adult intensive care unit (AICU) and adult medical and surgical care unit (AMSU). A total of 20 pharmacists and 5 nurses provided their assessed expected risk of harm in each scenario. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance with least square mean, and post hoc test were conducted to test the effects of field limit type, soft (SoftMax), and hard maximum drug limit types (HardMax), and care area-medication combination on risk of harm. The results showed that overdosing scenarios with continuous and bolus dose limit types were assessed with significantly higher risks than those of bolus dose rate type. An overdose infusion in AICU over a large SoftMax was assessed to be of higher risk than over a small one, but not in AMSU. For overdose infusions with three levels of drug amount, greater drug amount in AICU and AMSU was assessed to have higher risk, except insignificant risk difference between the infusions with higher and moderate drug amount in AMSU. This study obtained expected risk for simulated high-risk IV infusions and found that different field limit and SoftMax types can affect expected risk based on healthcare professionals' perspectives. The findings will be regarded as benchmarks for validating risk quantification models in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ting K Su
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, One Ford Place, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Mark R Lehto
- School of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Dan D Degnan
- Professional Programs Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering, Purdue University, Gerald D. and Edna E. Mann Hall, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Yuehwern Yih
- School of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering, Purdue University, Gerald D. and Edna E. Mann Hall, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Vincent G Duffy
- School of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Poching DeLaurentis
- Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering, Purdue University, Gerald D. and Edna E. Mann Hall, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Ylä-Rautio H, Siissalo S, Leikola S. Drug-related problems and pharmacy interventions in non-prescription medication, with a focus on high-risk over-the-counter medications. Int J Clin Pharm 2020; 42:786-95. [PMID: 32078108 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-020-00984-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background The risks associated with over-the-counter medication are often underestimated by consumers. The incorrect use of certain medications can lead to significant patient harm. Inappropriate use can be prevented by pharmaceutical counselling. Objective To determine the number and nature of drug-related problems in over-the-counter medication with a special emphasis on high-risk over-the-counter medications. Setting Fifty-two community pharmacies in Finland. Method This observational study was conducted as a questionnaire survey. The pharmacists working in participating pharmacies documented the observed drug-related problems and pharmacy interventions in over-the-counter medication during 1 week using an electronic study form based on the Westerlund drug-related problem classification system. Main outcome measure The prevalence of drug-related problems and problem types in different medication categories. Results The 52 community pharmacies documented 339 drug-related problems in 0.6% of over-the-counter customers, the most common problem being “Uncertainty about the indication for the drug” (39.2%). A significant proportion of the documented problems (26.3%) concerned high-risk over-the-counter medications, and the majority of these cases were associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (21.8%). In total, pharmacies made 641 interventions to resolve the drug-related problems. For majority of drug-related problems (87%), pharmacist’s intervention involved counselling. In more than half of the problem cases, the pharmacy intervention was precautionary. Conclusion Pharmacists intervene in and prevent problems related to over-the-counter medications, including high-risk medications like analgesics, in which inappropriate use due to consumers’ lack of knowledge can lead to severe consequences. As the selection and use of over-the-counter medications is continuously increasing, pharmaceutical counselling should be readily available and actively provided for consumers to achieve safer self-medication.
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